A Kansas hunting guide and his employees have been charged with violating federal laws protecting wildlife.
WICHITA, KAN. – A 34-year-old hunting guide from Elk County, Kansas, and four others have been charged with violating the Lacy Act and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Josh Hedges, owner of Eagle Head Outfitters, is accused of conspiracy to violate the Lacy Act and 12 counts of unlawful sale and transport of wildlife.
The indictment alleges that Hedges and his employees, Jerad Stroot and Allen Stroot, exceeded daily bag limits, killed waterfowl over bait, killed hawks, used electronic bird calls, and possessed untagged birds. Steve Seagraves, a customer from Georgia, is also charged with violating the Migratory Bird Act.
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it a federal crime to kill migratory birds except with a permit and in compliance with state hunting regulations. The Lacy Act prohibits the sale or transport of wildlife taken in violation of state hunting regulations.
The indictments carry penalties ranging from up to five years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000 to up to six months and a fine up to $5,000. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism investigated the case.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
The case highlights the importance of protecting wildlife and enforcing federal laws designed to preserve our nation’s natural resources.
Related Federal Cases
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Category: Wildlife Trafficking|Environmental Crimes|Conservation Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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